Answer :

Final answer:

Chicago became the largest railroad center in the nation in 1850 due to its strategic location and rapid growth.


Explanation:

Chicago became the largest railroad center in the nation in 1850. Its strategic location and rapid growth made it a vital hub for rail transportation, connecting the East with the emerging western territories. Chicago's development as a major rail center transformed it into an economic powerhouse by the late 1800s.


Learn more about Chicago's prominence as a railroad center here:

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